Ontario Power Generation (OPG) is planning to invest $1 billion over the next 20 years to refurbish 45 generating units at eight hydro stations across eastern Ontario.

The organization says the plan will secure more than 1,600 megawatts (MW) of generating capacity – enough to power about 1.6 million homes – while creating more than 500 highly skilled jobs in the area.

OPG owns and operates 66 hydro stations and 239 dams on 24 river systems across Ontario. In 2023, their collective output made up about 39% of OPG’s total electricity generation. Overall, hydro meets about 25% of the province’s electricity needs each year.

The stations set to be refurbished include OPG’s 429 MW Des Joachims and 144 MW Chenaux facilities. Both are located on the Ottawa River and both were placed into service in 1950 as part of Ontario’s great hydro expansion following the Second World War.

The other plants set to be renewed are OPG’s Arnprior (82 MW), Barrett Chute (176 MW), Mountain Chute (170 MW), Stewartville (182 MW), Chats Falls (192 MW), and Otto Holden (243 MW) Generating Stations (GS).

Once complete, this fleet is expected to produce up to 100 gigawatt hours of additional clean power each year thanks to newer, more efficient equipment – equivalent to powering over 11,000 homes.

“Hydropower remains unmatched in its reliability, durability, and flexibility. With proper maintenance and upkeep, these assets can produce clean, low-cost power for generations,” said Heather Ferguson, OPG’s Senior Vice-President of Business Development and Corporate Affairs. “Whether it’s Arnprior, Stewartville, or Chenaux, we’re proud of hydro’s lasting legacy in eastern Ontario. And we now look forward to writing the next chapter for these important stations.”

The projects are in addition to other major investments OPG is making to extend the life of its hydro assets.

In Cornwall, refurbishment work is continuing at the 1,045 MW R.H. Saunders GS, a $600-million investment that will refresh 16 generating units in total.

And in Niagara Falls, OPG is planning to refurbish up to five hydro plants, including the Sir Adam Beck I and II stations, to secure about 1,700 MW of clean power.

It’s all part of a wider turbine-generator refurbishment program that will result in the revitalization of 48 OPG hydro stations to extend station life, while also increasing efficiency and, in some cases, generating output.